Hypersomnia is more than just feeling tired; it's a debilitating medical condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness—an uncontrollable need to sleep that can disrupt every aspect of life. This guide explains the critical difference between being "tired" and "sleepy," explores the primary causes, and dives into central sleep disorders like narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.

I’m going to share a 5-part insomnia intervention called stimulus control. It’s a component of CBT-I that has evidence as a standalone treatment. Insomnia is a habit that’s been formed in the brain. Habits don’t form overnight, and they aren’t changed overnight. This will not help you sleep better tonight; it will help you sleep better within 1-2 weeks.

Are you tired, or are you sleepy?

We use those terms interchangeably, but they actually mean really different things. And the difference matters because it determines what you should do.

A common question that arises in therapy is, "How and when should I stop taking my sleep aid?" As a member of the Society for Behavioral Sleep Medicine, I consulted with experienced colleagues early in my career to gather insights on this crucial topic. This post synthesizes their valuable advice.